Chef Drake Harper

07/25/2024

Throwback to when I was living my best life in Tokyo! 🍣✨ Still can't believe I witnessed the magic of Tsukiji Fish Market with my own eyes. The energy, the smells, the sheer size of everything...mind blown! 🤯 Anyone else been lucky enough to experience this incredible place?

07/18/2024

Craving delicious and authentic Mexican food? El Aztecas just opened their second location near Grand Rapids! Head to Walker to try their famous dishes and support a local favorite.

This marks the second location for the business, with the first opening in Allendale in 2015.

07/18/2024

👋 Attention Grand Rapids!
We have some bittersweet news about the Jolly Pumpkin location on Bridge St. While they may be closing their doors, there's something new and exciting on the horizon!
Pide & Stick, a new Mediterranean restaurant serving pide (Turkish flatbread), shwarma, and kebabs, is slated to open on August 1st.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with delicious new flavors! 😋

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Sad news for fans of Jolly Pumpkin on Bridge St. in Grand Rapids - but there is a silver lining!

07/17/2024

Crains Detroit reports that Jack in the Box is expanding to West Michigan with a new franchise deal. The deal targets 5 new restaurants across the region, with the first location slated to open in Battle Creek. This marks Jack in the Box's return to Michigan after years of absence.

https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/jack-in-the-box-targets-5-west-michigan-restaurants-under-new-franchise-deal/

07/17/2024

Big news for BBQ lovers in Lowell! Big Boiler Brewing has reopened as a barbecue restaurant with a focus on gluten-free options.

https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/lowells-big-boiler-brewing-reopens-as-barbecue-restaurant-with-gluten-free-emphasis/

The owners of a former downtown Lowell brewpub have rebranded and reopened the restaurant as the second location of their Hop Hog Backyard Brewpub concept. Big Boiler Brewing at 318 […]

07/14/2024

**Who knew Michigan was a wine destination? **
Believe it or not, 52 restaurants across the state were just named among the best wine restaurants in the world by Wine Spectator!
So raise a glass to Michigan's amazing wine scene!

https://www.mlive.com/life/2024/07/forget-napa-valley-52-michigan-restaurants-named-among-worlds-best-for-wine.html

07/09/2024

West Michigan is well-represented! Restaurateur Jeff Lobdell, founder of Restaurant Partners Management in Grand Rapids, has been named the chair of the National Restaurant Association.
This is a big deal for the West Michigan restaurant scene!

A restaurant owner with deep ties to West Michigan will help advocate for the hospitality industry on a national level after being named board chair of the National Restaurant Association.

07/09/2024

O'Briens Deli, a new deli and ice cream shop in Ada, Michigan, is housed in a historic one-room schoolhouse built in 1859! 😋 They offer deli sandwiches, wraps, salads, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages. Perfect for a casual lunch or sweet treat!
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A schoolhouse that's been a part of Ada's history for more than 150 years is getting new life as a deli and ice cream joint!

07/09/2024

🍔 Remembering West Michigan's Most-Missed Restaurants 😥

West Michigan has seen its fair share of restaurant closures over the years, and some leave a lasting impression. 😔 From Marie Catribs to Red Hot Inn, these spots hold a special place in our hearts. 💖 While change is inevitable, it's always bittersweet to say goodbye to our favorites.
But here's the good news! 🎉 Nearly 40 new restaurants have opened their doors in the past year, offering exciting new flavors to explore. 😋 Whether you're craving Mexican, breakfast, pizza, or boba, there's something for everyone.
What are some of your favorite (or missed) West Michigan restaurants? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇
P.S. Don't forget to tag your foodie friends! 😉

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West Michigan has had a lot of great restaurants over the years and still does. Here are the closed restaurants people miss the most.

07/09/2024

Licari's Pizza Kitchen is moving to a new location at 3123 Leonard St. in Grand Rapids. The building was previously occupied by Gus's Original Restaurant, which closed in 2019.

The Grand Rapids pizzeria is expected to open its new location by September.

06/30/2024

Good news, beer lovers! Broad Leaf Brewery has officially reopened its doors in Grand Rapids after a brief closure in January. The reimagined space features an outdoor taproom, a tempting milkshake bar, and an incubator kitchen serving up delicious eats. Head down and check it out!

The reimagined space will have an outdoor taproom with beers and cocktails, a milkshake bar and an incubator kitchen with a monthly rotation of local chefs.

06/30/2024

New concept coming soon to downtown Grand Rapids! Reserve in Downtown Grand Rapids, MI is getting a makeover! WOOD TV reports on a new concept that will be replacing the current establishment. Stay tuned for more details!

An Italian restaurant is set to replace Reserve in downtown Grand Rapids.

06/23/2024

Bar Divani, a beloved downtown Grand Rapids wine bar and restaurant, is for sale after nearly ten years of operation.

The owner of a longstanding restaurant and wine bar in downtown Grand Rapids wants to sell and transition out of the business.

06/23/2024

A news report from Crains Grand Rapids states that downtown restaurant owners were surprised by the city's decision to terminate the on-street seating program. The program allowed restaurants to expand their outdoor seating onto sidewalks and streets.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority is rethinking a COVID-era strategy that helped restaurants put seating on the streets during indoor dining restrictions, a move that’s drawn criticism from the businesses who’ve invested in creating outdoor spaces for patrons.

06/23/2024

American Express continues its foray into the dining scene by acquiring Tock, a reservation platform, for $400 million. This follows their 2019 purchase of Resy, another reservation service.

AmEx cardholders are big spenders at restaurants, dropping a whopping $100 billion in 2023 alone. This move suggests they're doubling down on catering to their foodie clientele.

The credit card company acquired Tock, a restaurant reservation company, after buying its rival, Resy, in 2019. Its cardholders spent $100 billion in restaurants in 2023, the company said.

06/21/2024

Craving Korean corn dogs? Look no further than K-Pocha, a new restaurant coming to Wyoming, Michigan! They'll be serving up all your favorite Korean street food favorites, along with shaved ice for a refreshing treat. 😋 Their goal is to create a fun and social atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious and authentic Korean flavors.

The team behind the new K-Pocha LLC restaurant in Wyoming hopes to fill a space in West Michigan’s Asian food scene by bringing authentic Korean street food flavors to the market.

06/21/2024

Dr. Riemer, a dedicated ophthalmologist, is on a mission to revitalize his hometown of Ludington, Michigan! He's been buying and renovating restaurants and bars, aiming to make the city more attractive to tourists. While some residents are wary of the changes, Riemer believes his investments will bring long-term benefits to the community.

Ophthalmologist turned restaurateur Dr. Andrew Riemer has taken the revival of his northern Michigan hometown of Ludington into his own hands.

06/21/2024

The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and Product Center offer a free, self-paced online course in Spanish called "Como Iniciar un Negocio Movil de Comida" (How to Start a Mobile Food Business). This course is designed to guide aspiring food truck entrepreneurs in Michigan through the process of launching their business. Whether you dream of starting a taco truck or a mobile bakery, this course can provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to get started.

The MSU Product Center is pleased to support entrepreneurs interested in launching a mobile food business with a self-paced course in Spanish.

06/19/2024

Discover hidden gems in Grand Rapids!
This article explores what makes a business quintessential to Grand Rapids. Some businesses mentioned are Meijer, the Beltline Bar, Mr. Burger, Founders Brewery, and Mad Cap Coffee. What do you think makes a business unique to Grand Rapids?

Explore the vibrant tapestry of Grand Rapids, MI by visiting its iconic local businesses and restaurants. From the historic Meijer to the flavorful creations at Beltline Bar and Mr. Burger, each establishment adds a unique charm to this city. Don't forget to taste the renowned beers at Founders Brew...

06/07/2024

Open Gin Gin's on Grand Rapids' West Side!
The masterminds behind Bridge Street favorites O'Toole's Public House and Butcher's Union are excited to announce their newest venture: Gin Gin's! This brand new steak, pasta, and seafood restaurant is bringing fresh flavors to the west side of Grand Rapids, MI.

The owners of two popular eateries on Bridge St. have expanded with a new restaurant and bar on Grand Rapids west side!

06/07/2024

Calling all craft beer enthusiasts!
For over a decade, Grand Rapids has held the prestigious title of "Beer City USA." Discover a diverse selection of breweries offering unique flavors and styles, from crisp lagers and IPAs to barrel-aged sours and experimental brews.
Here are some of the must-visit breweries in Grand Rapids:
* City Built Brewing Company: Enjoy a Puerto Rican-inspired menu alongside their West Coast-style IPAs.
* The Mitten Brewing Company: A historic Engine House serving a variety of beers and delicious pizzas.
* Speciation Artisan Ales & Native Species Winery: Sample their renowned sours, lagers, and unique wines in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Explore more breweries and plan your Grand Rapids beer adventure today!

From the Motor City to Beer City USA

06/07/2024

Grand Rapids, MI staple Johnny Brann's Steakhouse & Grille is closing its doors to make way for a mixed-use development. The restaurant will be demolished and replaced with residential units, retail space, and a new restaurant.

Johnny Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille in West Side Grand Rapids is set to be demolished, although the brand isn’t gone for from that location for good, Crain’s Grand Rapids Busi…

06/07/2024

Grand Rapids, MI has a new all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurant! This fusion dining experience allows you to cook your own food at your table on a grill or in a simmering pot of soup.

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is located at 3333 28th St. SE Suite1, formerly the Old Chicago restaurant.

05/28/2024

Craving a delicious brunch? Look no further than Cherie Inn, Grand Rapids' oldest restaurant! They've been serving up famous eggs benedict and creating a welcoming atmosphere for generations.

The eatery rang in 100 years with a customer that's been going there for 60 of them, alongside his waiter, who also happens to be his grandson.

05/28/2024

Grand Rapids is considering converting some parklets back to parking spaces, but is also offering a program that allows businesses to rent parking spaces for outdoor seating.

This outdoor seating concept was popularized during the pandemic and has continued during the summer months.

05/28/2024

Michelin-star who? Kitchen 67 in Grand Rapids has been named one of the best restaurants in the nation, proving that exceptional food doesn't require fancy ratings. 🍽️ This family-owned gem focuses on creativity, culture, and an amazing customer experience.

Kitchen 67 was selected as one of the 8 best restaurants without a Michelin Star by the San Francisco Examiner.

05/22/2024

Craving Japanese food? Check out Kawa Express, a new restaurant in Wyoming, Michigan! They offer build-your-own bowls, sushi rolls, and more. 😋

An innovative Japanese restaurant serving up Sushi, Poke, Rice Bowls, and more, has a new location in the Grand Rapids area.

05/22/2024

Downtown Grand Rapids wine bar and restaurant is closing on May 2nd to be redeveloped and reopen with a new concept by the end of the year. Stay tuned for the new concept.

The high-end restaurant's final day of service is Tuesday, May 2. After that, the restaurant will shutter and undergo construction before reopening with a new concept and menu by the end of 2024.